AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16433, 29 January 1919, Page 4

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.

XEW ZEALAND XAMES

DETAILS IX BRIEF.

(nioit orit own cor.R esponpext.)

LOXDOX. Diceinfcer 3. Tn » recent- letUr I was able to announce that a Bar to the D.S.O. hud been conferred , IM t, Major Henry G. Wilding. 7tl/ Buttery, ZV A Pf.riicu'aiß just-available tell that during a strong countcr-attack by the enemy ~r a, ', l l - our infantry fell back noon thi* officer's battery. He at once rallied the

irfantn-, ami. running cm- 01" his pins forward. "riied over open «!gh:s and held the position until reinforcements arrived. i>]aiiy«l'l.SUED SHISVIC32 ORDER. L : cu. -Co'or.ti las HOll. Xigel C. GathorneDurin" two davs' hard fighting "ad-Lie •»- pool li.vimcni. reccntiy ijuir-eu the D.S.O. tvlii'o couiuiuiidiug Xii= batt-hon curing an attack on a H due to his nuperrision and p«*onal rcconiuittanc* preI viou* tJ ;\iul uiior tho capture of the vu--1--C tha: tin? v.-s;s carried cut suei'v OM-r open country, vith ouly lew tifsujlfie*. .N itr.io.'ous maclnnc-guus and over 100 ,). i.-oner s wcie taken. Haviii" tal:'-'i 1 hi- objective the late Lieut.Co'oi'ol '( . K. ( . K iimphrit's, M.C.. D.0.M., Duke '.1 Com«ii!i's L.1.. att. Ist Battalion Xci'olk Ji.gimput, reor«uiii*ed iii» U'.t-talioa. ioiil. 0:1 he.?i-;nu th.it the attack on the liuai objective «8s held up. he went forward ur.de - l'o..vv iiri' uu.i reoonnoitrud the whole pc-itioi!. ji'itvr which lie led the battalion forward." Later, he personally controlled his mm tin>i':s 11 vcr - v determined eouuter-atta'.l: bv the enemy under the heaviest maciuncoii'.i five. jI is coinage inspired conlideuce lhrou>'h>.niL 'lie cperntiun=. The award of the D.S.O. was posthumous. Lieut.-Colonel PMer Harvey Bel!, .lid Battalion. New Zealand Kiflc Brigade, found troops on his flank had been unable to" reach their objective owing to Hie loss c{ nie.nv oT.ceH. He immediately rehis plan cf operation?, _ and reovg;.iuccd his moil under most difficult etrnuiis'i'n'c? .-nd personal.y directed the advance of h;.» companies under heavy llro. It was muiuiv uue to his energy and initiative and "entire disregard to personal taicty that <-ur advance was continued and all objectives! u-ere taken. V.'hen Jus battalion commander became a casualty Major Charles Harold McClelland, 2nd Batta'ion, Auckland lleginunt, assumed command and handled his men with remarkab.'o coolness and skill. At- the comincncpnjent or en attack he was shot in the arm and lea but refused to leave liifs command, even to have his wounds dressed, until the battalion was relieved three daj-s later. His example of unfailing courage and endurance inspired afi under his command during a very trying time. When the advance of the battalion of

which he was in command was held up by

an intense tire of artillery and machincKuns, Major Wilfred Courtney Siiiel, 2nd Battalion. Auckland Regiment, went forward to the front lino, and by skilful leadership pushed on the attack. While doing this he was wounded. During flic work of consolidation he repelled three determined coun-ter-attacks. Throughout the operations his courage and ability inspired the greatest confidence in his men. Major Frank Ivingdon Turnbnll, M.C., Ist Battalion, Wr.'lington Ee<»in>ent. was in command of !i'» bal.tal'on, which ha handled with great ability during the four days' opvere fighting. He was continually with the advance puird while the enemy "was retre?ti:ig, and his accurate reports to brigade headquarters greatly contributed to the success of the operations. lie repelled several determined counter-attacks, and during the whole time- his unfailing cheerfulness and example of prYponal courage greatly encouraged his officers and men. BAII TO MILITARY CROSS. Lieutenant Frederick Edwin Ashby, iI.C,, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, commanded his company during tlio operations with remarkable skul, and displayed a personal courage under lire of the heaviest description which had a marked and inspiriting ctl'cct on his men, whom lie held together under most difficult circumstances largely by the forco of liis fine example.

Whiie making a personal reconnaissance o! our outpoal line, 2nd-Lieutenant Robert Vincent Hollis, MX'., 2nd iiattalion, Wellington Regiment, encountered a party of four o£ the enemy who had filtered through the line. Ho attacked them single-handed without hesitation. Shooting two with liis pistol he closed with the others and knocke- 1 down one with his first, whereupon tfi other fled. He showed a, flue example t courage and determination. MILITARY CROSS. T.-Captaiu Patrick Augustine Ardagk, N. 5 Uedical Corps, attd. Ist Battalion, Auct land Regiment, worked in the open all da under very trying conditions, oud at time ■under heavy lire. Hearing that the pel sonnet of another battalion's aid post hai been blown up he at once went to 'li place and worked for several hours undo shell fire until he had cleared the wounded By his energy and disregard for daoge many 1 lives were saved. When all the other officers of jhis com pany became casualties early in the attack 2nd-Lieutenunt Leslie Cecil Lloyd Avcrill 4th Battalion, N.Z. Rifle Brigade, tool command and led the men forward to th< objective, where, in spite of heavy fire fron the enemy, he consolidated with great skill His personal gallantry and clieerfulnea; .greatly encouraged his men, and his capamc handling of n difficult situation materially contributed to our success. bccuud-jjicutenant Uerald Arthur Arnold Burum, Ist .Battalion, Wellington Regiment, wus in command ol tti3 company at a npu. wiiere the attack was held up in a wood. He pushed on, however, with great vigour and eleared _tho seuuon iu front of his company, capturing a ma:-chine-gun and twenty-six prisoners. He -ed his men with conspicuous gallantry and energy. , Lieutenant William Ralph Burge, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, finding that the enemy had got some well-posted ma-chine-guns on the flank of a battalion which he ivas supporting, led his men forward, and with the assistance of a tank, cleared out the machine-gun nests, and secured the flank. Later 011 ho pushed forward to the assistance of a battalion, that was held up, and, collecting all the men he could, lie acted with great success. 'Throughout the day he displayed great personal courage and fine initiative. • 1 days' kard fighting 2nd-Lieu-tsnant Stanley Owen Clark, Ist Battalion, Aucklahd Regiment, proved himself a gallant and resourceful leader, quickly grasping Hie meaning of any change in the situation. Once when Ahe battalion on the flank was retiring, he went out under very heavy fire io ascertain all the circumstances, and came back and formed a defensive flank, and eent in reports which were of great assistance to his commanding officer. He set a splendid example to his men. During an attack the 2nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, was heavily shelled prior to it-a advance. The regimental medical officer and many of his men became casualties. The Rev. C. J. H. Dobson, C.F., attached to this b.ttalion, .immediately took charge of the situation, established a regimental aid post, organised str-siclier parti.es, and himself dressed wounded men under intense fire, and with few facilities. His example of gallantry aud unselfish devotion to duty were the admiration of all who cainc in con-, t.ict with him. j

lii .Egypt, when the enemy was pressing forward in the attack, Snd-Lieutenant William M. KbbiK. A'./01.R., Wellington .Regiment, led his troop dismounted against a position held by the enemy with a machine-gun. By skiiful leading he occupieS the post, c.-ipturing sixty-sii: prisoners, ono machinegun, unci one automatic rifle. After a hurried reconnaissance before darkness Bet in the night before, Lieutenant (T.-Capt-ain) Henry A. Ellingham; K.Z.R.8., attacked with his company at 2.30 a.m„ with complete success, nnd later on leu i them forward to a second successful attack, v.'Lie 11 he was wounded. He, however, re-

maincd with his men until they had .con-1 eolidattd and connexion with the units on I the flanks had bech established. His gat I lantrv and initiative and fine example iarge-1 ly contributed to the success of the opeza- | tion. I Lieutenant David Fergus on, j Canterbury Regiuiani, led his company with conspicuous gallantry and determination in j an attack, ar.d disposed hiR men with great J initiative where the situation was rather ob- i scure, covering a dangerous gap of 303, varoS. He tent back very valuable reports, and his example to his men encourr.gnd them greatly. j During an attack in a thicn mi*», two platcous of the company of which Captain j Harrv Fryer. Ist Battalion, Canterbury I Kocinitni." r.iis 111 charge, got lost, but !:? . h'vi-r fouad thtm and guided them to taeir 1 objective. He then went out on patiol' and cleared up the situation on the fr.?rt 1 and flunks. Bv his coolness and determinn-! tio'i he set a i;)leudid example to his men. 1 Seeoi)d-Lienteriant itobftrt Garroway, 2nd I Bhttalion. Auckland negiment. displayed: gond leadership i" an attack. He led his I ;neii with giesl dash, and when the flank) c; the baMalioil was exposed he formed a , d »:en«iro flank under besvy fire. Though i "•oumled h" remained with his nun. setting! tiieai « splendid example of coo'ness and'

ci'lemvinF.tior. j F.n'lin? hi; ' ; ne wa= Vinjr lmdh- m.' 4tr<Wl. •Snd-Lieute'-aTit Wi'li?ni .T. P. Hill, | 2nd BsMr.lien. Ksp-iiaent. lock frur pip,; v.-:!h him aii f i worscd out to the threatened /lank. He reorganised th» t-oopi; it,ere nid Irvl <V>n forward against heavy ■ H'e ai.d re--';M>li c «ed the sitnrtion. Ilifi j galn'i'ry end leadership inspired and en-1 ootirnned the men at. a frving | During two days' fighting, Lieutenant f Frederick C. Hubbard, Divisional Signalling j Cs., N.ii.K. (att. '2nd Jv.Z. InfantiT BriRr.de. H.y.). was untiring in his efforts, and dismayed great- gallantry under heavy five, | as )tr went forward to battalions in advanced positions m his successful work of maintaiiui!® the couimuiucations between brigade headquarters and battalions in the line. Hit- beheviour was an example of coolness and courage, and 112 contributed in no small dfjree to the succes* of the operation. Second-Lieutenant John A. D. Iverach, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, made repeated reconnaissances to the front under difficult, conditions and heavy fire, and brought back the information that was required. His behaviour has always been conspicuous for gallantry and devotion to I duty, and he has tet a fine example to his t men. j

Lieutenant Alexander D. Jack, Ist Battalion. Auckland Regiment (att. X.Z.L.X.JI. Buttery), went forward with four Stokes's mortars with the leading wave of the attack and dealt with points of resistance and ma-ehinc-gun nests with promptitude and effect, thus psrmitting the infantry advance to proceed with little delay. His fine example of courage and initiative as ho led his in en forward through heavy shell and «.«- chine-gun hre inspired all who were with liim.

During two days' hard fighting Captain Lancelot F. Jones, 2nd Battalion, Canterbun* Regiment. was conspicuous for gallantry niici" devotion. He led his company with skill and resolution, and repeatedly iallied them under heavy fire, setting an inspiring example to all ranks. Second-Lieutenant Hubert L. King, 2nd Bcttalion, Auckland Rfegiment, displayed resource during several days' operations. He maintained communication between his battalion and brigade in, spite of constant shell fire, which cut wires at critical times. Ho carried out his work with the greatest initiative and coolness. AVlien all the other officers of his company hsd become casualties, Lieutenant Bernard C. Kirk, N.Z.K.8., took command and led I the men forward with great gallantry and skill. After a daring reconnaissance down a forward slope in full view of the enemy lie led a second very successful attack, in which he captured 76 prisoners, seven ma-cliiiie-guus, and a light trench mortar. • Sis conspicuous courage and his initiative greatly contributed to our success that day. .Lieutenant Clarence K. ±>ee, Und .battalion' "Wellington liegiwem, carried out » reoounuissunce of tno front line under heavy fire, ana obtained most valuable iulornntlion. Throughout the day he showed great initiative ana contempt oi aanger. • . Captain Douglas W. McOlurg, N.Z.R.8.,

foUUU lUQ piaCC-W UIHWI no »uo u-iusiw* w assemble lor an attack occupicd by the enemy in some force. In spite of the darkness he lushed tne positiou and diepersea xiie enemy vvitli heavy losses, and captured 'several muchwe-guns. In the advance that loiiowed ut dawn, ail the officers of the com- v ptuiy on his ilujik became casualties. He tuok command of both oompamcs and ted them to their objective, in spite of the stubborn resistance of tho enemy. His tireless oncrgy and gallantry overcame all difficulties. u .During ten days' heavy fighting, which led 0 to the capture of on important position and ,j surrounding villages, Lieutenant John G. McChie, N.Z.14.8., was acting, as adjutant of the battalion t2nd). He displayed the * giealost energy and' disregard of danger, 1 !. superintending under heavy fire all details of, ns3embly and of the occupation of positions j y as they were established. He displayed!-, 3 conspicuous gallantry "and devotion to duty, j Second-Lieutenant George McSavney, Ist j ' 1 battalion, Wellington Regiment, was in coms maud of two platoons on the flank of the { r leading wave of his battalion, and when a . very difficult situation arose owing to the r battalion on his flank being held up, he maintained his position with great resolu- - tiur. and kept his men together by his , example until the situation was restored. , His courage and determination were of great : value at a critical moment. j ' As forward observation officer, 2nd-Lieuten-i ant Alan 11. Miller, 12th Battery, 3rd Bri- , gade, N.Z.F.A., carried on all day under i heavy fire of ail kinds, controlled the fire i of the brigade on observed targets, and sent ■ in much useful information. Later, when a heavy barrage killed and wounded several of his battery, he carried on his duties as control officer, '.ar.d was wounded in helping . to remove wounded men. , (.marked courage and devotion throughout the - operations. Lieutenant Frank ST. Mitchell, 7th Battery, N.Z.F.A., went forward with the infantry as F. 0.0., and sent back valuable information regarding • the progress of the attack. He also captured fifteen prisoners. Subsequently, when his batten' was subjected to an intense bombardtpent, his example of courage «su coolness had a most 1 encouraging effect on his men. Lieutenant tT.-Captain) lirnest G. Moncrief, -nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, -was in command of the centre company in an attack, ■ and he led his men with 'gallantry, skill, and cool judgment, which bright them forward, -in face of heavy fira and over difficult ground, to their objective. The etiicient- manner in which he handled his command when his junior officers and many n.c.c.'s were casualties greatly helped the success of the operation, and his example -.\'as splendid, During ail attack the platoon on the flank where Und-Lieutenant l'rcderick It. O'Gorman, Ist Battalion, Auckland, Regiment, was in eupport, was held up by the lire ot u machine-gun. He at once grasped the situation, anu, leading two men' forward in 'face of very heavy lire, he bombed the machinegun end captured it, putting the crew out | of action. "i'he advance then proceeded. His j gallantry and rapid initiative were conspicuous, and his action was productive of valuable results. During operations lasting several days, Lieutenant/ Howard B. Pattrick, 2nd Battalion, N.Ji.H.B., displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion he wa3 blown up# by a shell and badly shaken, but he docliued to retire, and carried oil with his men. When all the other officers had become casualties he took com- c inund o[ ilie company, and it was »largely 5 owing to jus fine and resolute leadership j that the objective was quickly reached. He j set a splendid example to his men. . j When his company commander' was killed I and the men nad suifered severe losses 1 troni artillery and machine-gun tire, 2nd-1 | Lieutenant Arthur D. Price, i1.J1., Ist Bat-1 I talion, Wellington Regiment, took com-1 I niand at a critical stage of the attack. He j kept the men together with great- coolness I J and gallantry, ' mid, resolutely pushing for-I 3 ward, reached the objective and consolidated. | He displayed great judgment and abiiity I and complete disregaid of personal safety. | 3 Lieutenant (I'.-Captain) James Russell, 3rd j i Battalion. led his .company with L great skiil in an attack in a heavy mist, and captured his objective with many prisoners and machine-guns. He set a splendid example of energy and courage to* his men. _

15951 C.S.M. Franz Roering Slevin, Jru battalion, Is.Z.K.D., tbowed initiative in an attack. When all his platoon officers had become casualties, lie took command of two jjlatoons, led them forward, and captured and consolidated the objective His determination and good leadership' under most .-averse conditions assisted materially in tho success of the attack.

Cnd-Lieutenant K. L. Vickerman, 2nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, led his platoon wilh great courage and coolness in nn attack, and. though wounded, remained with his men for several hours. He did excel lent work on many occasions.